5 Reasons Why You Should Learn To Code

Society has become heavily dependent on technology—what would you do without your cell phone, computer, or car? It’s no secret that technology runs our world. To meet our never-ending demand for new and improved technology, we need programmers to code the different software that allows technology to function.

That’s a huge responsibility: creating the programs that run the technology that the entire world depends on. Here are five reasons why you should learn to code—and, to take on that responsibility.

1) Career opportunities.

To keep up with the demand for new technology, we need more programmers to research and develop. U.S. labor statistics predict that there will be a 22 percent job demand in computer programming over the next 10 years. The average rate for other jobs is around 11 percent. Why is the demand for programmers so high?

The amount of job openings is currently almost two and a half times higher than the amount of college graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. The tech industry is in desperate need of programmers to fill these job openings.

2) Coding makes life easier.

If you plan to work with technology, it is advantageous to understand why technology functions the way it does. There is a long list of computer programming languages, yet they all serve the same purpose: to find a sequence of instructions that will automate performing a specific task and to solve a given problem.

You should learn to code because you will be able to create programs that do your work for you. In addition, you will be able to inspect the code of your favorite software and websites to find hidden content and “Easter eggs” that are inaccessible to non-tech-savvy users.

3) Plenty of opportunities in the field.

There is a diverse range of occupations within the field of computer programming. There’s e-commerce, software programming, and website development–just to name a few. Not only will you be able to fill one of the many voids in the programming job market, but you will also be able to create your own tech company. All you need is a computer and the ability to write in a programming language, and you have the ability to create software. This gives you the chance to work from home, or just about anywhere as long as you have a computer.

4) Coding gives you a competitive advantage.

Being able to program makes you a notable employee in the work world. It could be the deciding factor between you and another individual getting a position at a company. Your skills in coding are particularly helpful to a company because the IT department must tackle more advanced issues like online security.

5) You will make a good income.

Money plays a factor in virtually every decision we make. They say if you pick a job that you love, you will never work a day in your life. However, as an individual, you probably want to make sure that your income is enough to sustain you and your family.

The average salary of a computer programmer is $80,930. If you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, you can make $50-200 an hour upon graduating college.

Already graduated? Not an issue–freelancers without a bachelor’s degree in computer science can earn the same income as long as they have past experience in the field and are fluent in their programming language of choice.

Technology is what makes our world work. Our everyday lives already revolve around technology. If you learn to code, you will hold the key that unlocks the technologically advanced future that awaits our society.